ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Finance
A NEW SCHEME, PRIME MINISTER’S DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE FOR NORTH EAST ‘PM-DevINE’ ANNOUNCED; Rs. 1500 CRORE ALLOCATED
A new scheme, Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North-East, PM-DevINE was announced by the Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Union Budget 2022-23 here today.
The Finance Minister stated that the PM-DevINE will be implemented through the North-Eastern Council. An initial allocation of Rs. 1,500 crore will be made for the new scheme. It will fund infrastructure, in the spirit of PM GatiShakti, and social development projects based on felt needs of the North-East. This will enable livelihood activities for youth and women, filling the gaps in various sectors, the Minister explained. However, it will not be a substitute for existing central or state Schemes. While the central ministries may also pose their candidate projects, priority will be given to those posed by the states.
The initial list of projects to be funded under the Scheme is given below:
INITIAL LIST OF PROJECTS UNDER PM DevINE
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S.No.
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Name of the Project
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Total tentative cost 
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1
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Establishment of Dedicated Services for the Management of Paediatric and Adult Haemotolymphoid Cancers in North East India, Guwahati 
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129
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2
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NECTAR Livelihood Improvement Project 
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67
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3
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Promoting Scientific Organic Agriculture in North East Indian 
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45
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4
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Construction of Aizawl By-pass on Western Side
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500
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5
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Gap funding for Passenger Ropeway system for Pelling to Sanga-Choeling in West Sikkim
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64
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6
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Gap funding for Eco-friendly Ropeway  from Dhapper to Bhaleydhunga in South Sikkim
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58
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7
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Pilot Project for Construction of Bamboo Link Road at Different Locations in Various Districts in the State of Mizoram
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100
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8
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Others 
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537
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TOTAL
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1500
Ministry of Communications
Deptt. of Posts, Delhi Circle opens 3rd all-Women Post Office in the national capital
The Department of Posts, Delhi Circle has opened the third all-Women Post Office in the national capital. Ms. Aindri Anurag, Chief Post Master General, in the presence of Shri Akhilesh Kumar Pandey, Postmaster General , Delhi Circle and Ms. Annu Paul, SSPOs inaugurated the third all-Women Sub Post Office Nanak Pura, New Delhi -110021 on 6th March under New Delhi South West Division to commemorate the International Women’s Day celebrations.
Ms. Nisha Rani is holding the charge of the SPM in this Post Office alongwith one Postal Assistant, one MTS and one GDS.
A felicitation ceremony was also organized to award the best women workers of New Delhi South West Division for year 2019 in different categories. CPMG and PMG  congratulated the awardees and motivated all the staff for betterment of Division.
Staff of all three “all-Women Post Offices” of Delhi Circle, - 1- Nanak Pura 2- Delhi University, and 3- Shastri Bhawan Sub Post Offices cut the cake on 7th March to commemorate the International Women’s Day.
Prime Minister's Office
PM compliments CRPF for 84th CRPF Day Parade
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has complimented CRPF for impressive and energetic 84th CRPF Day Parade at CRPF Camp, Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh.
It is for the first time that CRPF Day Parade is being held in Bastar, Chhattisgarh.
Responding to the tweet by CRPF, the Prime Minister tweeted;
"Wonderful gesture by @crpfindia. Compliments to this distinguished force."
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
More than 23 crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 1.64 crore doses still available with States/UTs to be administered
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In addition, the Govt. of India has also been facilitating direct procurement of vaccines by the States/UTs. Vaccination is an integral pillar of the comprehensive strategy of Government of India for containment and management of the pandemic, along with Test, Track, Treat and COVID Appropriate Behaviour.
Implementation of the Liberalized and Accelerated Phase-3 Strategy of Covid-19 Vaccination has started from 1st May 2021.
Under the Strategy, in every month 50% of the total Central Drugs Laboratory  cleared vaccine doses of any manufacturer would be procured by Govt. of India. It would continue to make these doses available to the State Govts totally free of cost as was being done earlier.
Government of India has so far provided, both through the free of cost category and through direct state procurement category, more than 23 crore vaccine doses  to States/UTs.
Of this, the total consumption, including wastages is 21,71,44,022 doses .
More than 1.64 crore COVID Vaccine doses  are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Finance
Arrest of a prominent Builder in a case of availment of fraudulent Input Tax Credit of Rs. 4.86 Crore on fake invoices
Mumbai/Nagur, November 19, 2020
The officials of DGGI, Nashik Regional Unit of DGGI, Nagpur Zonal Unit arrested a prominent builder of Nashik in an ongoing investigation regarding availment of fraudulent Input Tax Credit on fake invoices.
Information had been received by DGGI that the Builder was availing fraudulent Input Tax Credit on fake invoices issued by non-existent entities and was utilizing this fake Credit for discharging its outward GST liabilities.
During the searches, it was observed that the Builder had cancelled its earlier registration and had obtained a new registration under a different management in order to avoid detection. However, with the help of online data mining tools, the entire details of the cancelled registration were obtained and the availment of fraudulent Credit was confirmed.
It was observed that the Builder had availed fraudulent Input Tax Credit of Rs. 4.86 Crore on the basis of invoices issued by certain entities in West Bengal which were non-existent and had not supplied any goods or services to the Builder. When confronted with the facts, the availment of fraudulent Input Tax Credit on paper transactions was admitted by the Builder during interrogation.
The Builder was thereafter arrested by the officials of DGGI, Nashik Regional Unit on the basis of Arrest Authorization issued by the Additional Director General, DGGI, Nagpur Zonal Unit. The entire amount is expected to be recovered soon and an amount of Rs. 25 Lakhs have already been paid by the Builder so far.
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Ministry of Communications
Technical testing of rural 5G trial services in Gujarat by DoT
On 29.04.2022, a team of Department of Telecommunications , Gujarat LSA conducted rural 5G technical and coverage testing at Unava village in Mansa Taluka of Gandhinagar district, along with the technical experts of Vodafone Idea Limited  and Nokia. Applications like playing 8K streaming video, video calling, large file downloads etc. were also tested.
The testing is being in accordance with the schedule and procedure of the Telecom Engineering Center . TEC is the technical arm of DoT, which frames the specification of common standards with regard to Telecom network equipment and services. This test Schedule and test procedure aims at uniform assessment of the various use cases in 5G, which are being trialed by Telecom Service Providers  under DOT, through the measurement of comprehensive parameters related to performance and interoperability.
Yesterday, Hon’ble Minister of Communications Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw ji had said in a media interaction that the Government is likely to hold 5G spectrum auction in early June 2022 and that the roll out of 5G services in the country will begin by August-September 2022.
Department of Telecommunications  on 27.05.2021, for 5G testing in Gujarat, allotted license and spectrum to :
- Vodafone Idea Limited in Gandhinagar , Mansa  and Unava,  with Nokia as equipment supplier.
- Reliance Jio Infocomm in Jamnagar  with Samsung as equipment supplier.
The spectrum was initially allotted for six months which had been extended for further six months.
SD/GP/MR
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Cabinet
Cabinet approves Agreement between India and Uruguay regarding Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved signing and ratifying an Agreement between India and Uruguay regarding Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters.
The Agreement will help in the availability of relevant information for the prevention and investigation of Customs offences. The Agreement is also expected to facilitate trade and ensure efficient clearance of goods traded between the countries.
The draft Agreement takes care of Indian Customs' concerns and requirements, particularly in the area of exchange of information on the correctness of the Customs value declared, the authenticity of certificates of origin of goods and the description of the goods traded between the two countries.
Background:
Uruguay is an important trading partner of India among members of the MERCOSUR, a trading block in Latin America. India signed a Preferential Trade Agreement  with the MERCOSUR which came into effect from 1st June, 2009. Trade between India and the Uruguay has been expanding gradually. The Agreement would provide a legal framework for sharing of information and intelligence between the Customs authorities of the two countries and help in the proper application of Customs laws, prevention and investigation of Customs offences and the facilitation of legitimate trade. The draft text of the proposed Agreement has been finalized with the concurrence of the two Customs Administrations.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Special round of negotiations for the India-Peru Trade Agreement
Trade Agreement anticipated to significantly boost trade, investment and enhance cooperation in various sectors
A Special Round of negotiations for the India - Peru Trade Agreement is scheduled to be held virtually on 10-11th October, 2023. The Indian track will be led by Chief Negotiator Mr. Vipul Bansal, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce and Peruvian track will be led by Mr. Gerardo Antonio Meza Grillo, Director for Asia, Oceania and Africa, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism.
Discussions on various chapters including Initial Provisions and General Definitions, Rules of Origin, Trade in Goods, Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, Technical Barriers to Trade, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, General and Security Exceptions, Cooperation and Legal and Institutional Issues/Dispute Settlement are expected to be undertaken during this special round. Discussions on Services, Movement of Natural Persons, Trade Remedies and Investment chapter will be held later in the month based on mutual convenience of the negotiators.
Negotiations for the India-Peru Trade Agreement commenced in the year 2017 and the fifth round was concluded in August, 2019. On account of Covid, the negotiations came to a pause.
On the sidelines of CII India-LAC Conclave held in New Delhi on 3rd-4th August, 2023, a delegation led by H.E. Dr. Teresa Mera Gomez, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade of Peru met Shri Piyush Goyal, the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry wherein both sides expressed an interest in resuming the trade negotiations. Subsequently, Minister Goyal has directed to recommence the negotiations with Peru.
It is anticipated that the Trade Agreement will significantly boost trade, investment and enhance cooperation in various sectors. The sixth round is slated to be held in December, 2023 at Lima in Peru.
India and Peru have been experiencing a steady growth in their trade relationship. During FY 2022-23, the bilateral trade volume reached $3.12 billion. India exported goods worth $ 865.91 million to Peru, and imported goods valued at $ 2.25 billion from Peru. Key Indian exports to Peru include motor vehicles/cars, cotton yarn and pharmaceuticals, while Peru primarily exports gold, copper ores and concentrates.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
More than 36.97 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 2.01 Cr balance and unutilized doses still available with States/UTs and private hospitals to be administered
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
More than 36.97 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far, through all sources.
Of this, the total consumption including wastages is 34,95,74,408 doses .
More than 2.01 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs and private hospitals to be administered.
Ministry of Science & Technology
India designated Vice-Chair of OECD Working Group on GLP
“India's leadership in GLP brings a greater recognition of our certification of quality for global businesses”: Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Chairman-GLP Authority & Secretary, DST
India has been designated the ‘Vice-Chair’ of Good Laboratory Practice  Working Group of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development , recognising the contribution of the Indian GLP programme.
Good Laboratory Practice  is a quality system, which has been evolved by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development  to ensure that safety data generated on various chemicals like industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals , agrochemicals, cosmetic products, food/ feed additives, and medical devices, etc., can be relied upon by regulatory authorities.
The Department of Science and Technology , Government of India, established the National GLP Compliance Monitoring Authority  with the approval of the Union Cabinet on April 24, 2002.
NGCMA is the National body which grants GLP certification to test facilities  conducting safety studies on new chemicals of the above-mentioned categories in accordance with OECD Principles of GLP and OECD Council norms. The Grant of the first GLP certificate by NGCMA in 2004 was a milestone.
The non-hazardous nature of chemicals needs to be established through studies and data, which is examined by the regulators of the concerned countries to certify that the use of these chemicals does not pose any hazards to human health and the environment.
On March 3, 2011, India became full adherent to the Mutual Acceptance of Data  in the OECD, which was a historical event. The MAD status has given global recognition to India’s non-clinical safety data by tremendously augmenting its credibility and acceptability across the globe. This has not only boosted the confidence of Indian GLP TFs but also led to removal of technical barriers to trade. The dedicated training of the inspectors and continued capacity building of Indian TFs in emerging areas by the ground team of NGCMA has resulted in upgrading Indian TFs to meet international standards.
The spectrum of activities of Indian GLP TFs is wide, involving eight  types of chemicals/test items and nine  areas of expertise. The National GLP program has not only helped to build a network of GLP TFs in the country but also created a huge quantum of highly competent human resources.
Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Chairman-GLP Authority & Secretary, DST commented, “India's leadership in GLP brings a greater recognition of our certification of quality for global businesses. This is also a link in the chain to Atamnirbharta, which is to have structures and processes that are adhered to global standards.”
The OECD has acknowledged the contribution of the Indian GLP program and designated Dr. Ekta Kapoor, Scientist E, NGCMA, DST, as the Vice-Chair of the OECD Working Group on GLP for 2021 and 2022. With continued Government commitment and emphasis on further capacity building on GLP in the country, India is destined to be a global leader.
[For more details, please contact Dr Ekta Kapoor .]
Special Service and Features
Shri Cyril C. George joined Cochin Port Trust as Deputy Chairman
Shri Cyril C. George, Deputy Chairman, Chennai Port Trust has joined Cochin Port Trust as Deputy Chairman today . Shri A.K. Mehera, Deputy Chairman, Cochin Port Trust has been transferred to Kolkata Dock System, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Trust, Kolkata.
An officer having more than 3 decades’ experience in the Major Ports sector, Shri Cyril C. George  is a holder of MSW, MBA  and LLB. He started his career as Labour Officer in Kandla Port Trust in 1987. Prior to Chennai Port Trust he also served in Mormugao Port Trust , Kandla Dock Labour Board  and Cochin Port Trust . During his tenure as Secretary, Cochin Port, he was actively involved in the developmental projects like ICTT, Vallarpadam connectivity projects, Petronet LNG project, handing over of Marine Workshop to Cochin Shipyard Ltd. etc.
He has headed various Committees including the Indian Port Association’s Committee to study HR & Direct Recruitment issues in Major Port Trust .
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Prime Minister's Office
PM greets Dalai Lama on his 88th birthday
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted His Holiness, Dalai Lama on his 88th birthday over phone earlier today.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
“Spoke to His Holiness @DalaiLama and conveyed heartfelt greetings to him on his 88th birthday. Wishing him a long and healthy life.”
Ministry of Women and Child Development
WCD Minister to Felicitate States and Districts under BBBP Scheme in New Delhi
The Union Ministry of Women and Child Developmentis organizing a felicitation and award function for those Districts and States who have successfully implemented the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme in the country. The function will be held on 7thAugust, 2019 in New Delhi.
The objective of the programme is to felicitate States and Districts which are performing well in improving Sex Ratio at Birth as per Health Management Information System  of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data and excellent performance in awareness generation and outreach.Union Ministerof Women and Child Development, Smriti Zubin Irani will grace the occasion as chief guest and Minister of State, Debasree Chaudhuri,will be guest of honour at the event.
The BBBP scheme launched on 22ndJanuary, 2015 has been implemented in phases. Currently, it is being implemented in 640 districts . All 640 districts are covered through advocacy and media campaign. Moreover, out of these 640 districts, 405 districts are covered under Multi- Sectoral Intervention in which 100% Centrally Sponsored Schemes grant is provided directly to DM/DC for BBBP.
On this occasion,Union Minister of WCD will be felicitating Principal Secretaries/ Commissioners of the 5 States and District Magistrates/Deputy Commissioners of 10 Districts  forconsistent improvement inSex Ratio at Birth. District Magistrates/Deputy Commissioners of 10additional districts will also be felicitated for outstanding performance under awareness generation and outreach activities.
Another important activity on the occasion will be aslide show of innovations by States/ Districts under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao followed by short videos of innovative interventions undertaken by the winning States and Districts.
The latest reports on State/UT-wise Sex Ratio at Birth data for the period 2014-15 and 2018-19, reveal that SRB increased from 918 to 931 showing improving trends at the national level.
Election Commission
Biennial Elections to the Council of States to fill the seats of members retiring between 02.04.2022 to 09.04.2022-reg.
The term of office of 13 members of the Rajya Sabha elected from following 06 States is due to expire on their retirement in April, 2022 as detailed below:
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Sl. No.
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State
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No. of seats
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Name of Member
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Date of retirement
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-
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Assam
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02
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Ranee Narah
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02.04.2022
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Ripun Bora
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-
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Himachal Pradesh
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01
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Anand Sharma
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02.04.2022
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-
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Kerala
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03
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A. K. Antony
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02.04.2022
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M. V. Shreyams Kumar
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Somaprasad K
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-
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Nagaland
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01
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K. G. Kenye
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02.04.2022
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-
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Tripura
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01
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Smti Jharna Das 
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02.04.2022
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-
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Punjab
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03
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Sukhdev Singh
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09.04.2022
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Partap Singh Bajwa
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Shwait Malik
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02
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Naresh Gujral
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09.04.2022
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Shamsher Singh Dullo
2. Out of the five seats to be filled from Punjab three are to be filled by holding one election and other two through another election as these seats belong to two different biennial cycles. Further, the term of office of the members to be elected to the Council of States from the State of Punjab shall be subject to the decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in SLP No. 17123/2015 .
3.Now, the Commission has decided to conduct biennial elections to the Council of States from above mentioned States in accordance with the following programme:
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Sl. No.
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Events
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Dates
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Issue of Notifications
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14th March, 2022 
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Last date of making nominations
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21st March, 2022 
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Scrutiny of nominations
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22nd March, 2022 
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Last date for withdrawal of candidatures
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24th March, 2022 
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Date of Poll
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31st March, 2022 
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Hours of Poll
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09:00 am- 04:00 pm
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Counting of Votes
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31st March, 2022  at 05:00 pm
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Date before which election shall be completed
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02nd April, 2022 
4. The Commission has directed that for the purpose of marking preference on the ballot paper only integrated violet colour sketch pen of pre-fixed specification, provided by the Returning Officer, shall be used. No other pen shall, under any circumstances, be used in the above said elections.
5. Adequate measures for close monitoring of the election process by appointing observers shall be taken to ensure free and fair election.
6. Broad Guidelines of Covid-19 as already issued by ECI as well as the recent guidelines issued by ECI as contained in para 06 of Press Note dated 28.09.2021 available at link Schedule for Bye-elections in Parliamentary/Assembly Constituencies of various States - reg - Press Releases 2021 - Election Commission of India  to be followed, wherever applicable, during entire election process for all persons.
7. Commission has also directed the Chief Secretaries concerned to depute a senior officer from the State to ensure that the extant instructions regarding COVID-19 containment measures are complied with while making arrangements for conducting the elections.